The immune system protects the body against “foreign invaders” such as bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause disease. Certain proteins and other molecules of these invaders are known as antigens, and the immune-system defenses of the body respond to antigens by producing antibodies (
Antineoplastic (antitumor) chemotherapy is often used to treat dogs and cats, and it is routinely used for selected tumors in horses. Antineoplastic drugs can be grouped into general categories, based on their biochemical method of action: alkylating agents, anti
Inflammation is the response of the body to an injury or infection. It actually helps the body fight off foreign invaders, such as bacteria. Classic signs of inflammation include redness, heat, pain, and swelling; loss of function can also indicate inflammation.
The conventional approach to the control of viral diseases is to develop effective vaccines, but this is not always possible. The objective of antiviral activity is to eradicate the virus while minimally impacting the host and to prevent further viral invasion. However, because of their method of replication, viruses present a greate
Drugs used to treat urinary disorders include antibiotics and antifungal medications for infections, diuretics for kidney failure, and a variety of other drugs for several other disorders.
Drugs that may be used in or on the skin fall into several categories—antibiotics, antifungal drugs, antiparasitic drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, drugs that modulate the immune system, hormones, psychotropic agents, and vitamin and mineral supplemen
Drugs used to treat respiratory conditions fall into several categories: cough suppressants, bronchodilators, expectorants, and decongestants. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are also important in the treatment of many respiratory diseases.
There are several categories of drugs used to treat disorders of the nervous system: anticonvulsants; tranquilizers, sedatives, and analgesics; and psychotropic agents.